Arrow Minerals, listed on the ASX, has confirmed a major bauxite discovery at its Niagara project in Guinea, showcasing high-grade mineralisation over a 5 km² area. Strategically located near the under-construction Trans-Guinean multi-user railway, this discovery is poised to benefit from enhanced logistical capabilities. Recent drilling results highlight impressive grades, including 4 m at 50.3% aluminium oxide (Al2O3) and 3.1% silicon dioxide (SiO2) from surface in hole BS000096. Additional significant intercepts include 6 m at 47.1% Al2O3 and 2.3% SiO2 (hole BS000076), and 15 m at 43.1% Al2O3 and 3.7% SiO2 (hole BS000075). These results confirm continuous high-grade mineralisation, with outcomes from 111 pending drill holes expected to expand the resource further.

David Flanagan, Arrow Minerals’ Managing Director, emphasized the project’s potential, noting that it comes at a time when bauxite and alumina prices are at record highs, currently around $100/t cost insurance freight (CIF) to China. Guinea, which produces approximately 30% of the world’s bauxite, is known for its premium-grade ore containing 45% Al2O3 and 3% SiO2, ensuring high demand in global markets. Flanagan described the Niagara project as a critical opportunity to deliver shareholder value, generate jobs for local communities, and establish Arrow as a competitive, independent supplier of high-quality bauxite.

Arrow’s exploration programme builds on historical data, including drilling conducted by Vale in 2007, which identified nine priority bauxite targets. The current 184-hole programme, overseen by SRK Consulting, is designed to confirm and expand upon previous findings. It includes twinning Vale’s historical holes, shallow pitting, and rigorous quality control sampling to meet modern resource reporting standards. The objective is to define sufficient indicated and inferred resources to support a scoping study targeted for 2025.

The company has also completed initial environmental and social baseline studies while engaging with local communities and recruiting local workers. Arrow reports no impediments to exploration or mining and has established strong relationships with government and community stakeholders. Plans are underway to utilize existing road networks to connect the project to the Trans-Guinean railway, a significant infrastructure project being developed by Baosteel, Rio Tinto, and the Guinean government. The railway, expected to be operational by late 2025, will provide critical ore haulage services.

With soaring bauxite prices, strategic infrastructure proximity, and continuous high-grade results, Arrow Minerals’ Niagara project offers immense potential. A maiden mineral resource estimate, anticipated after SRK’s site visit in early 2025, will form the basis for a planned scoping study, further solidifying the project’s value.